The Canon XH A1 HD camcorder
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Quick Guide
Setting levels
Wear headphones so you can hear what the mic is actually picking up and
putting on tape
Use the levels indicators to set levels
Plug in
Switch to mic setting
Set XLR input thru menu
Switch Channel input to Ch1 Ch2 if you want to record on both channels
Set audio record levels on the side of the camera, watch levels on LCD monitor
or Viewfinder to make sure levels are correct - not too low and not too loud
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MOUNTING SHOTGUN MICS
Cardioid - smaller shotgun, blocking out sounds behind the mic. Good for
everyday situations.
Supercardioid – aka hyper-cardioid, shotgun mic has a pickup pattern directly in
front of the mic. A narrow pickup pattern means you're not getting a lot of
extraneous noise. Great for dialogue, voices
How to Mount a Shotgun Mic on the Camera
Mount is on top of the camcorder next to the onboard mic
Place mic in the mount and screw it in. Make sure mic is in good and tight
Take XLR cable - use a shorter cable - and run it from the back of the mic into
Ch1, set option to Mic, and set channel to Ch1 or Ch1 Ch2 - this setting tells the
camcorder where to put the signal from Ch1 audio only
Menu - indicate that you are using XLR input so camera records external mic
rather than onboard mic
Setting levels on Shotgun/Cardioid mics
Power on mic, power on camcorder, use headphones to set your levels
Set Audio Level selection switch to M
Turn up Audio levels on Ch1 and Ch2 to set levels
Use the LCD screen to check levels
Using a Mic Stand or Boom Pole
Mic stand is good if you are working alone
Boom Pole is better, and use this if you are working with a sound person.
You'll need a shock mount, which is absorbs all sounds coming from handling, or
from the mic stand, etc.
You'll need a long XLR cable as well, depending on where your subject is and the
range you need for your sound person
